Barcelona: 11 insider tips

1. from the airport to the city

The bus from the airport leaves directly in front of the main terminal and costs around 7 euros. The bus ends at Placa de Catalunya in the centre of the city. From there you can easily reach everything by underground or taxi. Very practical: there is also WiFi on the bus. You can call home to let them know you arrived safely or check out the first bars for the evening online.If you're looking for a comfortable stay in the city center, try the "Tryp Apolo Hotel". It is conveniently located within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions, restaurants, and bars. The hotel offers a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, and a rooftop pool.

2. driving a taxi in Barcelona

Taxi drivers in Barcelona sometimes rip off tourists. So don't get into the front of the taxi, only the back. Only totally clueless tourists get in the front. If you sit in the back, open Google Maps and pretend to type in the route. This intimidates some taxi drivers a little and, at least in some cases, ensures correct fares. In the worst case, it hurts the honour of the taxi driver and you pay even more. So it's a double-edged sword - decide for yourself.

If you have local acquaintances or at least speak good Spanish or Catalan, the problem is suddenly put into perspective.

3. drinking alcohol on the street

Drinking alcohol on the street is forbidden in Barcelona, as is buying beer from one of the many street and beach vendors.

Everyone does it anyway. So if you're tempted now too, you should always ask for an estrella (local beer). As an alternative, you can sometimes get a very cheap discounter beer, which not only tastes bad, but makes the vendors' prices seem even more questionable. By the way, it is best to always wipe the top of the cans with a handkerchief or your T-shirt, as they are often stored in little nooks and crannies of the alleys of the old town, which are not exactly known for their cleanliness. An estrella should never cost more than €1.50 in these shops.

4 Pickpockets and valuables

Pickpockets abound in Barcelona. Therefore, the rule is: wear cameras with the strap around your wrist, carry money in your pocket, as well as credit cards. It's best not to carry a bag at all. For one thing, it's far too warm for unnecessary luggage anyway, and for another, handbags and backpacks are particularly attractive targets for thieves. Their straps or handles are quickly cut, the thief disappears into the crowd, that's it - you'll never see your valuables again.

You have to be especially careful on the Rambla, the main tourist artery in Barcelona, as well as at night in the clubs, while sunbathing on the main beach of Barceloneta, strolling along the promenade or in the Raval, the alternative quarter of Barcelona.

5. city beach of Barcelona

Nobody actually lies down on the main beach of Barcelona, which is located directly behind the Barceloneta district. It is completely overcrowded here and usually relatively dirty.

Smart tourists therefore either walk a little further up the beach to Patja del Bogatell, or take the train directly north, a little way out of Barcelona, to St. Pol de Mar, for example. More information about beautiful places is available at the bus station, which is located at the Arc de Triomf. From here you can also take the regional train to St. Pol de Mar.

6. "una clara" - order like a Catalan

If you're in a bar or restaurant and don't fancy a proper beer, try "una Clara". Una Clara is a kind of Alster made from Spanish beer, in Barcelona usually the regional brand "Moritz", and fresh citrus juice (sometimes orange, sometimes lemon). It is wonderfully tart and fruity and not nearly as sweet as the German Alster. A perfect refreshment, even at 12 noon. The nice thing: in Spain, a midday beer is perfectly legitimate. No one will think you're the holiday alcoholic that's secretly slumbering inside you!

If you're unsure about the pronunciation and naming of what you want to order, own up to it! It's obvious that you're a tourist anyway. So before you try in broken school Spanish, resort to English or - in an absolute emergency - even German. Most people understand what you want. Especially with Catalans, "normal" Spanish is not very welcome. Be charming and follow this rule and they will be more open to you. You can find nice bars and restaurants in Barcelona here.

7. riding the metro in Barcelona

The metro system in Barcelona is great, although a bit confusing. There are a lot of stairs and many different tunnels - you need a moment to find your way around! Once you've done that, it's best to buy one of the multiple-ride tickets. Each ticket gives you a certain number of free rides. There are different levels of tickets: 7, 10 and 21. When you enter the metro, you simply slide your card through the scanner in the turnstile and ride after ride is deducted until your quota is used up. The main hub of the metro in Barcelona is Plaça de Catalunya. All lines cross here.

8. BCN by feet

Short and sweet: All distances between bars and restaurants can easily be covered on foot. Try it out! It's the best way to get to know the city.

9. drugs in Barcelona

You can smell and see weed, or marijuana, on every corner in Barcelona. Especially in the Raval, it is often offered to you, together with other drugs. However, this should not scare you: Marijuana consumption is assessed quite differently in Spain than in Germany: consumption and dealing in private rooms for personal use is permitted, but selling with a commercial interest is not.

Do not misunderstand: This is by no means meant to be a guide to buying cannabis in Barcelona. On the contrary, if you are bothered by the cloying clouds in some alleys, this point should keep you open-minded and explain why it would be wrong to approach this situation with German prejudices. Other countries, other customs! Therefore, public consumption is not immediately a negative factor when judging your future favourite places in this beautiful city!

10. police in Barcelona

The police generally tend to be on the side of the tourists, which is actually sad because it marks them out as biased. However, if you ever have a problem (for example, if your bag is stolen), you can go to them with a clear conscience. If you go over the top yourself, it is advisable to be extremely cooperative. You are not in Germany and the police in Spain are much tougher than at home. This is especially true of the Mossos d`Esquadra officers who often patrol the party areas.

11. eating out in Barcelona

In Spain it is - who would have thought it - really hot during the day. That's why you usually only eat a snack at lunchtime, which can be quite greasy. Almost all the street cafés in Barcelona serve small sandwiches and toasts, which are not atypical for Spain: Topped with xorizo and cheese, they're not particularly light, but they're quite easy to squeeze away in the shade of the umbrellas.

In the evening, people tend to eat very late. Locals rarely go to the bars and restaurants before 10 pm.